Today I am sharing a conversation with sports videographer, Valentin Garcia, of VG Creations. I hope you enjoy it!
Hello, Valentin! Please tell readers a bit about yourself. Where did you grow up?
I was born in Miami, Florida but raised in Davie near the Panthers stadium. Growing up, I never planned to be a cinematographer of any sort. The objective was to just finish college and maybe work in the journalism field. After a couple of years into my major, I decided to switch up my major and go into Multimedia Studies. In the midst of going to school, I also started working as a coach at my local CrossFit gym. In 2021, when things were slowly opening up again. I started to make videos for the gym. Fast forward, I am now the proud owner of VG Creations, a video production company based out of West Palm Beach, Florida.
What a whirlwind! Did you play any sports as a kid?
I played a couple of sports but primarily baseball. Then, after a couple of years and my parents couldn't afford the sport, I was just out playing basketball and soccer with friends.
Where do you live now?
I am now in West Palm Beach, Florida.
How long have you been a videographer? When did you start?
I have been a Photographer/Videographer since 2021. So, about 4 years now.
What was your first “pro” camera?
My first pro camera was an A73. An amazing camera still today.
What camera(s) do you currently shoot with?
Right now I am shooting on an A7S3 and A74.
What makes a “professional videographer” in your opinion?
Well, I think what makes a professional photographer is the type of work that they are known for and whether they do this full-time or as a hobby.
What was your first paid videography gig?
My first paid gig was at the gym that I used to coach for. They transitioned me from coaching a full week to two days and the rest of my days were creating content for them.
What is something you've created that you are proud of?
I helped create Wodapalooza 2023 teaser and workout release videos.
That is awesome! Congrats! What was one of your favorite events/competitions/games/matches that you shot?
I will say for the CrossFit Games of 2022, I was invited to shoot for TYR. They were outside of the stadium, but it was cool to collaborate with another videographer and crank videos all day long for them.
Neat! Do you do your own video editing?
Yes, I do.
Do you like editing?
Yes and no. I enjoy it for the quick turnaround and not having to do so much, plus I have created my own Luts which is the cool part but also I am more of a video editor that really enjoys being creative in the video aspect of things.
What videography jobs do you have coming up that you are excited about?
Well, I have a couple of events coming up, one of them that I am stoked about is for Perry Ellis. I will be shooting some content for them and I really like their clothes and I think this will open another door full of opportunities and that gets me fired up.
Awesome! Sounds like a cool opportunity. Very nice. What kinds of non-sports-related photo jobs do you take?
Yeah, I have been doing some work as a gaffer, Audio tech, 2nd camera operator, PA, and much more. These jobs usually are outside of sports and I have been part of shoots with brands such as FPL, Bank Of America, The Pivot, and much more.
What is a topic related to videography in general, or more specifically sports videography, that you are passionate about?
Besides CrossFit being the number 1 sport that I have a passion for, I also really love football, UFC, soccer, and basketball. I am a huge sports fan!
Me, too!! :) Who were/are your mentors?
I have a couple of mentors who have helped me on the business side. One of them is Abner Molina - He is a marketing specialist and owns his marketing firm - DocDigital Marketing SEM, and he is someone who has helped me build from scratch my business. Another person who has mentored me is Ariel Martinez also known as Miami Video Productions. He is someone I can talk to about anything and everything when it comes to the business side of things. Lastly, Youtube University! YouTube has been there since Day 1 LOL
Big ups to YouTube! What would be an event/competition/game that you would love to shoot someday?
I would love to shoot for any NFL team and a UFC Fight. I will shoot for any of those two organizations.
What sport have you not shot yet that you would love to shoot?
Soccer.
Thank you for your time, Valentin!! I truly appreciate it. Readers, please check out his Instagram and website to find out more. Readers, I will continue to put these interviews out as I receive them. I am trying to do them weekly but it doesn't always work out with my new work schedule. I love doing them and want to do more. If you would like to be interviewed, email me at wendy@wendynielsenphoto.com and we will get it done. Thanks so much!
~ Wendy
